Just as Specialized’s component and wheel brand, Roval, did with the CLX50 aero wheels, they have now created a CL level of their new Alpinist wheels. These lightweight climbing wheels are perfect for your next long day in the mountains, but won’t quite break the bank as much the at the CLX version. There’s only one glaring issue that I can see with them.
At a claimed 1356g per pair, these disc only clincher wheels are just under the CLX version, which weigh in at a scant 1246g. What the CL gives up in weight, it makes up for in ease of maintenance.
The Alpinist rim has already made a name for itself with wins under Deceuninick– Quick-Step, including some big wins at the Tour of Poland by Remco Evenepoel. Like Roval’s other wheels, the Alpinist spent time in Specialized’s Win Tunnel to help make them one of the top-performing wheels in their category. Add in a highly researched carbon layup, and not only do you have a wheel that goes up well, but holds its own in stiffness and comfort on the downhills and long days in the saddle.
When comparing the CLX50 and the CL50, the main differences are the bearings, spokes, nipples, and rear hub internals. Both wheels share the same rims (50mm deep, 29.4mm wide, 20.7mm internal) and Aero Flange hubs bodies. The CLX50 uses CeramicSpeed bearings over standard steel bearings, DT Swiss Aerolite T-head over Competition Race T-head, DT Swiss Pro Lock hexagonal over Pro LockBrass hexagonal, and DT Swiss 240 internals over 350 internals. The CLX50 saves some weight and adds a little more performance with the upgraded, but the CL50 is still a solid performer with the same rim and hub shells of it’s $750 higher-priced sibling.
The Alpinist CL is a very similar storyline that it shares many aspects with the CLX. Both levels use the same 33mm deep, 21mm internal width (no external widths available) rim, and DT Swiss Aerolite T-head with Alloy Pro Lock Hexagonal nipples. The only real differences between the models though are the number of front spokes and the hubs. The CL is built with 24 spokes front and rear, while the CLX is 21/24. Instead of the Aero Flange hubs with DT Swiss EXP internals, the CL version uses the tried and true DT Swiss 350 hubs with Star Ratchet internals in the rear.
By using off the shelf parts for the spokes, nipples, bearings, end caps, and hubs on the CL line, it means that parts are available at just about any shop or online retailer. When it comes to truing, the external nipples will be greatly appreciated so that you don’t have to take the wheel apart to straighten it. The Alpinist CL comes set up for 12mm thru-axles front and rear, though they can be converted with quick release with the necessary end caps.
The one glaring omission so far is the lack of tubeless. From a brand that openly supports road tubeless, including through their sponsored pro teams, it is a bit disappointing to see that the Alpinist rim is not tubeless. With the CL sharing the same rim as the CLX, it is not surprising, but I hope that there will be a tubeless version in the future.
The Alpinist CL is now available through Roval’s website or your local Specialized/Roval dealership. For $1600, you get the wheels, a padded wheel bag, a lifetime warranty, and their crash replacement policy. The lifetime warranty covers workmanship and materials for the lifetime of the original owner, or two years for a second owner, while the crash replacement policy covers non-warranty issues that happen while riding for up to two years for no cost of repair or replacement.
When you see Bora-Hansgrohe or Deceuninick–Quick-Step riders at the upcoming Tour de France, keep an eye on their wheels when the road turns upwards. If they aren’t running the CLX 32 disc tubulars, there is a good chance they might be running the Alpinist CLX. You now have the chance to run the same wheels, but at a little more palatable price.
We are working to get some Roval wheels in for review. Keep an eye out for more news in the future.
http://www.rovalcomponents.com
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
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